SYSTEMS

Active solar

photovoltaics A 2 kW grid tied system is composed of 10 (190 watt) Sanyo and

Xantrex GT3 inverter

Rainwater catchment: 2300 gal with pressure delivery

Water use reduction/conservation

MATERIALS

Recycled materials (contents, reclaimed, etc.)

OTHER

High efficiency (appliances, water heater etc.)

Minimized impact on site

Permaculture

Tubular skylights

Description:
We are converting an 850 sq ft house built in 1910 to be more resource efficient. We installed a grid tied solar electric system in 2005, and track electric production, weather data, and utility use by computer.

Since 2003 we reduced electricity use by 50% using tubular solar skylights, CFL, LED lighting, and energy efficient appliances along with the solar panels. The balance of our electricity is purchased from the SCL Green Up program. We have a 2,300 gallon rain water harvest system with pressurized delivery and use rain water for flushing the toilet in addition to watering the gardens. The yard is arranged with low water demand plantings. Our water use in summer dropped by over 55% and our total annual usage by 38% . We added insulation in the walls and replaced windows and doors. We replaced our tank style water heater with a gas on-demand water heater and plan to install a solar water heater later this year. We use an electric bike and electric push style scooter to get around the local area and commute to and around work. We have a raised bed organic vegetable garden and a worm bin.

Directions to Site:

Go West on 80th or 85th from I5. Turn left (South) on 8th Ave NW. Turn right (West) on 64 St. NW (across from the Goodwill Store). 808 is the 3rd house on the right.

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